Undercover

We had an interesting program at our P.E.O. meeting today when Diana shared about Craig coverlets or 'coverlids.' She tells us that both terms are correct, and that the dictionary doesn't care which one is used. She uses 'coverlid', which is the older term, so I'll use it too.

Her ancestors were the Craigs, who were the weavers behind these beautiful blankets. She shared several coverlids which have been handed down to her, along with the stories and history that she has learned about them.

She read a story from a book about coverlids, which recounted a party held on the farm where she still lives today. A person wanting a coverlid might dye and spin the wool, then take it to the weaver to be woven into the blanket. Coverlids sold for $5.

It took 3 days to 'thread' the loom, then the coverlid could be completed in one day, working from sunup to sundown.

The coverlids are 'double-weave' which means that one side has a light background, and the other has a dark background. They were sometimes called the 'summer' and 'winter' side. There are very few of the looms used for this kind of weaving in existence today. She shared that the Craigs discontinued their weaving to focus on pig farming. When they cleaned out the barn, they hauled the old looms into a big pile and burned them, which must have made an impressive bonfire.

It was fascinating to learn about the coverlids and their history, and Diana's family connection to the talented weavers. She also urged all of us to seek out and cherish the stories in our own families. Make time to ask questions of our parents and grandparents, and share those stories with our children and grandchildren.

It made me wonder about this coverlid which is hanging on the wall in our dining room. My mom inherited it from a friend, but we don't know anything about the history of the piece. The date in the corner block is 1849, but there is no name or town on it. A mystery to solve.

After the meeting, we served these yummy Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes. They're not actually donut holes, but rather mini muffins disguised to look like donut holes. They were easy. And tasty. You'll find the recipe here.